Cory Diede, 60

Cory Don Diede, 60, of Spearfish, S.D., passed away on Dec. 14, 2023 after a brief illness. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Cory was born Nov. 1, 1963, in Freeman, S.D., to Don and Laverne (Baker) Diede. Cory went to Freeman Elementary School and graduated from Freeman High School in 1982. After graduating high school, he went on to obtain his teaching and science degrees from the University of South Dakota. Cory met and married Amy Armstrong and to this union two sons were born, Baker and Devin. Although the marriage wasn’t permanent, that did not diminish Cory’s love for his boys.

During his childhood, Cory loved spending time at his Grandparent’s creamery in Scotland, S.D., and spending time outdoors with his sister and cousins. As he grew older, he assisted his parents in running the Dairy Queen in Freeman. Cory’s favorite vacations were traveling with his parents and sister, Kim, exploring the states. Yellowstone was a popular destination, but the Black Hills of South Dakota is where Cory’s heart was drawn. He loved the outdoors and had such an appreciation for all that it has to offer.

After graduating college, Cory took a teaching and coaching job in Scotland, where he stayed for four years. Cory then got to live out one of his dreams by moving to Spearfish, where he took a teaching and coaching job at Spearfish Middle School. Cory took pride in his work and had a passion for coaching and teaching. In his short time as a coach, he mentored many other coaches and student athletes. Many of his former players are quick to say that Cory was the best coach they ever had. Cory then switched careers, where he worked for over 20 years as an insurance claims adjuster and claims manager.

Cory loved his sons very much and was always proud of them in all of their activities. He was a fierce proponent for the boys and taught them life lessons that would make them the men they are today. He loved taking them on vacation, especially to Yellowstone National Park to teach Baker and Devin about the great outdoors. Cory also made sure his sons loved his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys. The three of them attended as many games as possible.

Thankful for having shared his life, Cory is survived by his wife, Amber Diede; his sons, Baker Diede and Devin (Alex) Diede; his mother, Laverne Diede; his sister, Kim (Gregg) Uecker; and multiple nephews.

Cory is preceded in death by his father, Don Diede; his grandparents, Stanley and Martha Baker, Dutch and Zita Diede; and multiple aunts and uncles.